B&R Integrated Machine Vision
Machine vision is playing an increasingly important role in modern manufacturing. Self-optimizing production processes, for example, rely on real-time feedback from imaging-based inspection. So far, however, even the most advanced machine vision systems have been impaired by inadequate integration into the control system at large. B&R’s new fully integrated solution is now set to unleash the full potential of machine vision.
“B&R’s machine vision system is integrated on every level: the engineering tool, the real-time operating system and the application software,” emphasizes Waldl. The holistic approach encompasses every aspect of an automation solution: from the control system to the safety technology and from motion control to robotics and CNC. “And now that includes machine vision as well.”
With cameras and lighting just as integral as I/O modules, servo drives and safety controllers, there’s no longer a need for interfaces in the runtime system. Tasks like programming and configuring image processing routines, as well as the settings for the camera and lighting, all become part and parcel of the overall automation project.
Control programmers are able to carry out numerous machine vision tasks themselves. All data, parameters and variables are standardized throughout the entire system – no separate process variables are required for machine vision. The only time vision specialists will need to be consulted is in situations that require their specific expertise, for example in handling difficult lighting conditions.
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